Recommended by the government’s development bank, which helps SMEs get finance
Best Online Business Loans
Compare online business loans and discover trusted lenders. Learn how to get a business loan online and find the right funding for your startup or SME — all in one place.
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Compare Online Business Loans and Trusted Lenders in the UK
What is an Online Business Loan?
An online business loan is a type of finance that helps companies — from startups and sole traders to established SMEs — access the funds they need for growth, stability, or day-to-day operations. Instead of applying through a traditional bank branch, you can compare business loan lenders online and apply directly via digital platforms.
The best online business loans in the UK can take many forms, including unsecured loans, secured loans, government-backed startup finance, and revolving credit facilities. The right option will depend on your trading history, financial profile, and whether you can provide security.
When asking “how to get a business loan online”, the answer often lies in comparing lenders, specialist providers, or using a broker who has access to multiple options. By exploring online loan platforms, startups and sole traders can secure the funding they need — whether it’s for working capital, expansion, refinancing, or managing cash flow.
Benefits of Taking Out an Online Business Loan
The best online business loans in the UK can help startups, sole traders, and SMEs manage cash flow, invest in growth, or refinance existing debt without relying on traditional banks. By choosing to compare online business loans from trusted lenders, you can access tailored funding solutions that meet your needs — whether it’s working capital, expansion, or refinancing.
Access to Working Capital
Cover day-to-day expenses, payroll, or stock purchases during quieter trading periods with flexible online business loans for new businesses.
Support for Growth
Use loan funding to expand premises, hire staff, or launch marketing campaigns to scale your business.
Flexible Use of Funds
Apply capital to equipment, vehicles, marketing, refinancing, or other business needs with the best business loans online.
Build Business Credit
On-time repayments can On-time repayments can strengthen your credit profile, making it easier to secure future funding from the best business loan lenders online.
Variety of Options
From secured and unsecured loans to government-backed schemes and revolving credit facilities, comparing the best online business loans helps you find the right fit.
Quick Access to Funds
Many business financing options for SMEs offer fast approval, giving small businesses access to capital when it’s needed most.
About Funding Options
Funding Options is our trusted UK partner that helps entrepreneurs access the best online business loans. With a single application, their Funding Cloud technology matches your profile to over 120+ lenders — delivering tailored results in minutes without affecting your credit score.
Whether you’re looking to compare online business loans, explore flexible funding solutions, or simply learn how to get a business loan online, Funding Options makes the process quick and straightforward. Their lending panel includes a wide range of products, such as unsecured and secured loans, government-backed startup finance, revolving credit, invoice funding, merchant cash advances, bridging loans, and commercial property finance.
By working with some of the best business loan lenders online, startups, sole traders, and SMEs can secure the right finance to manage cash flow, support growth, or launch new projects — all without the hassle of traditional banking.
How to Compare the Best Online Business Loans
StartupDeals.co.uk has partnered with Funding Options to help you compare the best online business loans in the UK. With a single application, their Funding Cloud technology reviews your profile and connects you with 120+ trusted lenders — from unsecured and secured loans to government-backed finance. By working with some of the best business loan lenders online, you can quickly access tailored funding options to manage cash flow, support growth, or launch new projects, all without affecting your credit score.
Tell us about your business
Share how much you need, what it’s for, and key details so we can compare business loans matched to your profile.
Compare quotes instantly
Funding Options compare your details against 120+ lenders so you can see tailored finance quotes in seconds.
Apply and get your funding
Apply for finance and initial checks won’t affect your credit score. Receive funds into your account.
Choosing the Best Online Business Loan Type
When exploring the best online business loans in the UK, it’s important to consider your goals, cash flow, and whether you can provide security. These factors help determine the right loan type for your business, from unsecured and secured finance to government-backed startup loans. By working with the best business loan lenders online and comparing tailored options, startups, sole traders, and SMEs can find the right funding solution to support growth, manage cash flow, or invest in new opportunities.
Unsecured Business Loans
Borrow without collateral. Quick decisions; may require a personal guarantee.
Secured Business Loans
Backed by assets for lower rates and larger amounts.
Working Capital / Short-Term Finance
Cover day-to-day costs and short cash-flow gaps.
Revolving Credit Facility
Flexible line of credit — pay interest only on what you use.
Asset Finance
Hire purchase or leasing for vehicles, machinery and equipment.
Invoice Finance
Release cash tied up in invoices (factoring & discounting).
Merchant Cash Advance
Repay via a % of future card sales — flexible with turnover.
Commercial Property Finance
Commercial mortgages & development finance.
Bridging Loans
Short-term funding to bridge a purchase, sale or refinance.
Growth Guarantee Scheme
Government-backed lending via accredited providers.
Bad-Credit Business Loans
Options for thinner files or weaker credit profiles.
Startup Business Loans
Funding to launch or grow a new business—often unsecured, with flexible criteria for early-stage companies.
Who Can Apply for an Online Business Loan in the UK?
Eligibility for the best online business loans in the UK depends on factors such as your business type, stage, and financial profile, but even startups and sole traders with limited history can access options. Lenders often review trading history, revenue, and credit profile, and platforms like Funding Options make it easier to compare offers from the best business loan lenders online, helping SMEs secure tailored funding solutions — from working capital to growth finance — that fit their needs.
- Business types
- Sole traders, partnerships/LLPs, limited companies, and in some cases nonprofits or social enterprises may be eligible.
- Stage of business
- Trading 6–24+ months: Wider choice of lenders and often sharper pricing.
- New/pre-revenue: Fewer options, usually smaller amounts, but some startup-focused loans are available.
- Financial profile
- Lenders look at cash flow, debt levels, and bank history. A weaker credit profile isn’t always a rejection, but it may affect available options or pricing.
- Directors & owners
- Most lenders require UK residency checks, ID verification, and credit checks on directors or major shareholders. Personal guarantees are common, particularly for unsecured loans.
- Security & guarantees
- Unsecured: Quicker, simpler, and often require a personal guarantee.
- Secured: Backed by assets (property, vehicles, receivables, equipment), allowing larger amounts and lower rates, but assets may be at risk if repayments aren’t met.
- Use of funds
- Loans can support working capital, hiring, equipment/vehicles, marketing, refinancing, or consolidation. Some restricted uses may apply depending on the lender.
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FAQs: Business Loans (UK)
What are the best online business loans in the UK?
The best online business loans in the UK depend on your company’s needs, whether it’s working capital, growth funding, or refinancing. By using comparison platforms like Funding Options, you can access tailored offers from over 120+ lenders to find the right fit.
How do I compare online business loans?
To compare online business loans, use a broker or platform that connects you to multiple lenders. This lets you review interest rates, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria side by side, saving time and improving your chances of finding the best deal.
Who are the best business loan lenders online?
The best business loan lenders online include banks, challenger banks, and specialist alternative finance providers. Working through a trusted broker ensures you get matched with the lenders most likely to approve your application.
How do I get a business loan online?
If you’re wondering how to get a business loan online, the process is simple: complete a short application, provide details about your business, and compare tailored offers from lenders. Many decisions are instant, with funds often available within days.
Can sole traders and SMEs apply for the best business loans online?
Yes — both sole traders and SMEs can access the best business loans online. Lenders typically consider your revenue, trading history, and financial profile rather than requiring a large credit history.
What are the benefits of taking out an online business loan?
The benefits of online business loans include quick applications, faster approvals, flexible use of funds, and access to a wide choice of lenders. This makes them ideal for startups and SMEs seeking simple, digital-first funding.
Do I need to provide security to get an online business loan?
Not always. Some of the best online business loans are unsecured, meaning you don’t need to provide collateral. However, secured loans may be available with lower interest rates if you can offer assets.
How quickly can I access funding with an online business loan?
One of the advantages of applying online is speed. With the best business loan lenders online, applications can be processed instantly, and funding can often be released within 24–48 hours.
What documents are needed to apply for a business loan online?
To apply for a business loan online, you’ll usually need proof of identity, business bank statements, and details of your revenue or trading history. Requirements vary depending on the lender and loan type.
Is it safe to apply for a business loan online?
Yes — when using regulated brokers and trusted platforms, applying for a business loan online is secure. These platforms use encryption, soft credit checks, and FCA-regulated lenders to ensure your information is protected.
FAQs: About Funding Options
Is Funding Options a lender or a broker for online business loans?
Funding Options is not a direct lender; it’s a broker that connects you with over 120+ providers offering the best online business loans in the UK. Their platform helps match your profile with lenders suited to your needs.
Does using Funding Options affect my credit score when applying for an online business loan?
No — applying through Funding Options won’t impact your credit score. They use a soft search to show you offers from the best business loan lenders online, so you can compare your options risk-free.
How does Funding Options match my business with lenders online?
Funding Options uses their Funding Cloud technology to review your profile and instantly connect you with tailored offers from some of the best business loans online, making it easy to compare and apply.
Are there any fees for using Funding Options to compare online business loans?
No — using Funding Options to compare online business loans is completely free for applicants. Their service is funded by the lenders, so you won’t be charged for accessing tailored loan options.
Can small businesses and sole traders use Funding Options to get a business loan online?
Yes — both sole traders and SMEs can use Funding Options to access the best online business loans. The platform is designed to help businesses of all sizes find suitable funding quickly.
How quickly can Funding Options help me secure an online business loan?
Funding Options can connect you with offers instantly, and depending on the lender, funding from the best business loan lenders online can often be accessed within 24–48 hours.
What types of online business loans can I compare through Funding Options?
Through Funding Options you can compare online business loans across secured and unsecured loans, government-backed schemes, revolving credit, invoice funding, and more.
Is Funding Options safe for businesses looking to get a business loan online?
Yes — Funding Options is an FCA-regulated and works only with trusted lenders, making it a secure way to explore and apply for the best online business loans.
FAQs: About Startup Deals
Do StartupDeals provide business loans directly?
No — StartupDeals does not lend money directly. We work as an introducer partner with Funding Options, who connect UK businesses to more than 120 lenders through their regulated platform.
Is StartupDeals paid by Funding Options?
Yes — if you are successfully matched with a lender and take out finance, StartupDeals may receive a commission from Funding Options. This comes at no extra cost to you as the customer.
Can I trust StartupDeals when applying for a business loan?
Yes — StartupDeals is a trusted affiliate partner of Funding Options. Funding Options is FCA-regulated, and all loan applications are handled securely by them, ensuring compliance and transparency.
Why does StartupDeals recommend Funding Options?
At StartupDeals, our goal is to help startups, sole traders, and SMEs access the tools and services they need to grow. We recommend Funding Options because they provide access to a wide network of over 120 UK lenders — from high street banks to specialist and alternative finance providers. This means that instead of applying to lenders one by one, businesses can complete a single application and quickly see tailored funding options side by side.
Funding Options also uses secure technology to match businesses with lenders most suited to their profile, making the process faster and more efficient. For startups, this can be particularly valuable, as many lenders on the platform specialise in supporting early-stage businesses.
By partnering with Funding Options, we can introduce our audience to a trusted, FCA-regulated broker where they can explore some of the best business loan options in the UK, compare rates and terms, and find funding that may fit their circumstances — all in one place.
Does StartupDeals decide if my business loan is approved?
No — StartupDeals does not make lending decisions. All applications are assessed by Funding Options and their panel of lenders. Approval depends entirely on the lender’s criteria.
Is StartupDeals regulated to provide credit?
StartupDeals does not provide credit directly and is not a lender. We act as an introducer to Funding Options, who are FCA-regulated and work only with authorised UK lenders.
Will it cost me extra to use StartupDeals?
No — you won’t pay any additional fees by applying through StartupDeals. If you proceed with a loan, StartupDeals may receive a commission from Funding Options, but this does not affect the cost of your finance.
Who handles my data if I apply for a loan?
Your loan application and personal data are handled securely by Funding Options, not StartupDeals. They use regulated systems and strict data protection measures to keep your information safe.
Does StartupDeals provide financial advice?
No — StartupDeals does not provide personalised financial or lending advice. We introduce businesses to Funding Options so they can compare loan options. All content on StartupDeals.co.uk is created to be impartial and informative. It is designed to help startups and SMEs explore tools, services, and funding options available in the UK. The information is not intended as financial advice. For tailored guidance, you should seek advice from a qualified financial professional.
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